Rotterman

The Rotterman is a large powerful dog that requires a strong owner who can handle them. They are smart affectionate and very loyal to their family, and are protective over them. If raised with other pets and children they are very tolerant and patient with them. They are a cross between a Rottweiler and a Doberman Pinscher, both who are very strong and solid dogs. They respond well to training but need a firm consistent hand. They excel in search and rescue or agility training, and are well known as guard dogs. Their stature and appearance alone makes them look imposing, but underneath is a dog who is both affectionate and loving. Praise and rewards work well with this dog, as does fair but firm handling. New inexperienced dog owners may find this dog a handful. While they are not aggressive dogs, they will do everything in their power to protect you should it be required. They become very attached to their owners and love to snuggle and cuddle - and they love being the centre of your attention.

Purpose

Companion, Agility, Watchdog.

Date of Origin

Unknown

Ancestry

Doberman Pinscher, Rottweiler

Rotterman Health

Average Size

Height: 24-28 inchesWeight: 70-130 lbs

Height: 23-25 inchesWeight: 65-120 lbs

Major Concerns

Canine Hip Dysplasia (Chd)

Von Willebrand's Disease

Hypothyroidism

Mitral Valve Dysplasia

Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat

Joint Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

Skin Allergies

Eye Infections

Occasional Diagnoses

Wobbler Syndrome

Occasional Tests

Electrocardiogram

Buccal Mucosal Screening

Regular Full Physical Examination By Veterinarian

Coagulation Assay

Blood Glucose Tests

Complete Ophthalmologic Examination

Blood Work and Serum Chemistry Tests

Skin Biopsy or Intradermal Tests for specific allergies

Urinalysis and Urine Culture

Rotterman Breed History

The Rotterman has limited history about its beginnings, therefore we must look to the parent dogs for clues to its lineage. The Doberman originated in Germany, in the state of Thueringe, by a man called Herr Louis Dobermann who used many cross breeds of dogs such as the Rottweiler, Great Dane, Greyhounds, and Manchester Terriers. Many others were included in the mix over his 60 years of developing the breed. Herr Louis Doberman was a night watchman, dog catcher, and tax collector, so he needed a dog who was strong and protective. The first Doberman was registered in the German studbook in 1893. The breed suffered from the first World War, and were nearly wiped out. The few dogs that were left were going to be eaten or put down as no one could afford to keep them. Thankfully American servicemen had become fond of the breed, and they took several home where they began breeding from the original lines. During World War ll, the US Marines used Dobermans when they went ashore to flush out the enemy. An English couple name the Curnows who were dedicated to establishing the breed in England, started with English stock, but later decided that the American Doberman was more sophisticated, elegant and much larger, so they began their breeding program again using American stock. Loyal, strong, quiet and dignified, the Doberman Pinscher is a dog who needs a firm leader to bring out the best in him. The Rottweiler was a working dog whose ancestors marched to Germany with the Romans, and was used to drive and protect the cattle and their owners along the way. The owner would fill their purse with cash from the cattle sales, and would tie it around the Rottweiler's neck. Butchers in the area also used these strong dogs to pull carts loaded with meat. As rail transport replaced the cattle drives over the years, the Rottweiler nearly became extinct. Thankfully, that changed in 1901 as breeders strived to revive the breed. The Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub founded in 1921 survived the second World War and continued to perfect the Rottweiler breed. The first Rottweilers are thought to have arrived with German emigrants in the late 1920s. Since then, the breed has soared in popularity and are well known as police dogs. Today, the Rottweiler ranks 17th among 155 breeds registered by the American Kennel Club.

Rotterman Breed Appearance

The Rotterman is an attractive dog, elegant yet powerful looking, and built for speed and endurance. The body appears almost square in shape, and supports long elegant legs. Their movements are effortless and relaxed, yet they have a vigorous balanced gait that can accelerate in speed rapidly. A deep chest, long thin tail and proud stance is all part of the Rotterman's appeal. They are usually shiny black in color with tan highlights on their calves, chest and face. Speaking of the face, it exudes confidence, intelligence and alertness. The muzzle is long and lean, with teeth meeting in a scissors bite. A jet black nose, dark ringed eyes with deep glowing amber or brown eyes plus either prick or floppy ears make for an appealing inquisitive expression. Their coat is sleek and looks like a tailored suit, fitting them perfectly to produce a well groomed and handsome dog.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Amber

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

Sable

Black

Brown

Fawn

Coat Length

ShortMediumLong

Coat Density

SparseNormalDense

Coat Texture

StraightWiryWavyCurlyCorded

Rotterman Breed Maintenance

The Rotterman requires little maintenance for his well fitted tailored coat. A good brushing with a stiff bristle brush once a week is all that it requires when they are not in the shedding season, changing to daily brushing when shedding. The coat is naturally glossy and short, making easy work of grooming. It is a good time to check your dogs health, look for cuts or abrasions that may become infectious. Another area is the ears - dogs can suffer inflammation and infection within the ear, which often comes with a repulsive smell. If infection has set in, a trip to the veterinarian will be required to get medication to clear it up. But just gently cleaning the ears and drying them afterwards on a weekly basis will help prevent any other infections. Your Rotterman will need his teeth brushed two to three times a week, using a specialty dog product, and bathing is only needed when required. A slight clip of the toenails and your Rotterman will look as though he is ready for show time!

Brushes for Rotterman

Pin Brush

Slicker Brush

Deshedder

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

DailyWeeklyMonthly

Rotterman Temperament

The Rotterman dog is impressive in stance, almost forbidding and intimidating until you look in their gorgeous amber eyes and see the affection and gentle spirit shining back at you. Athletic, elegant, and perfectly groomed, the Rotterman is winning hearts as one of the new hybrid dog breeds on the block. Their softer side is loving and caring; they are devoted to children, tolerant and patient. Naturally, if they are socialised with other dogs and people from an early age, they are milder in nature and exude tolerance. Although a large dog who enjoys the outdoors, they are still one big cuddle bug and bond closely to their owners and family. Therefore, they feel a responsibility towards everyone in their house to ensure that their help isn't needed. They will check in on you often, even following you around the home or yard to ensure you don't need their help. The Rotterman will warn you of strangers, barking or growling low and mean to get their message across to the intruder not to come any further. But they will not attack unless forced to and then they will defend you with every ounce of energy they have. They are loyal and devoted dogs, kind in nature, and great big sweeties. Of course they may have a stubborn streak here and there, but a strong owner who has their respect will accept that and get around it with affection and treats which will have the Rotterman eating out of their hand - literally! Adaptable to most climates, tough, confident yet soft and goofy with the kids, they make ideal companions if you have the time, and the space, to share with these large elegant dogs.

Rotterman Activity Requirements

A Rotterman dog is a large dog who needs to get out and exercise on a daily basis. They are ideal companions if you are into running or cycling, and will happily lope along beside you as you do your training. The ideal situation is for two walks per day to keep this athletic dog at its best. The Rotterman is best suited for a home with a secure yard, where your dog can run and enjoy interactive play sessions with you and the family. Although they look tough, these big softies will love a few toys to play with as well. They respond well to training as long as it delivered in a fun way, you are a strong leader, and are firm but fair. They will not respond to harsh methods or tone of voice - they have a tendency to shut down and become uncooperative. Patience and kindness along with a serving or two of praise and affection will see these dogs wanting to please you and obey. This active dog will love to run and play in the dog park, just ensure they are fully socialised before turning them loose with other dogs - especially of the same sex, otherwise they can become anxious and threatening to other pets.

Rotterman Owner Experiences

Rowdy

6 Years

2 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Its been great rowdy is calm gentle yet protective, he came into my life when i needed something to make my life happier and hes been my best friend since. And when my boyfriend met hom they became instant bff
Hes great with the other anim8in the house and lpve kids when they visit